Air Force hands over modern IT facility to rural school

Colombo, Feb. 25 (Daily Mirror) - In line with its forthcoming 75th Anniversary, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) ceremonially handed over a fully equipped Information Technology (IT) laboratory to BT/BT/Koddaimunai Kanishta Vidyalaya in Batticaloa.

The initiative forms part of a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects launched to commemorate 75 years of dedicated service by the SLAF. The project was spearheaded by the SLAF IT Division with the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe.

Implementation of the project was led and closely supervised by Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi, Director General Electronics and Computer Engineering, together with Group Captain Chanaka Sooriyaarachchi, Director Information Technology. Construction and infrastructure arrangements were carried out by SLAF Station Batticaloa under the leadership of its Commanding Officer, Group Captain Malith Ranrajeewana.

The newly established, fully air-conditioned IT laboratory is equipped with 15 desktop computers supported by uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems, complete networking facilities and all required IT and electrical installations, ensuring a modern and conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

The project is one of three IT laboratories planned to be set up in rural schools across the country in parallel with the SLAF’s 75th Anniversary celebrations. Through such initiatives, the SLAF aims to support the Government’s national digitalisation drive by enhancing IT infrastructure in underserved areas and promoting digital literacy among schoolchildren.

The ceremonial handover was held at the school premises with Air Vice Marshal Asitha Hettiarachchi attending as Chief Guest. SLAF officers, including Group Captain Malith Ranrajeewana, Group Captain Chanaka Sooriyaarachchi and Group Captain KDC Krishantha, Commanding Officer of No. 02 IT Wing, were present. Officials of the Rotary Club of Batticaloa, which extended financial support for the project, as well as representatives from the Batticaloa District Education authorities, the school’s Principal, teachers and students, also attended the event.